Are Pacers going to double team LeBron in Game 6?

Are Pacers going to double team LeBron in Game 6?

LeBron James is making the Indiana Pacers lives miserable in the first round. Could a change in defensive strategy be possible?

It might be the right move. In the series currently, James is averaging 35 points, 11.4 rebounds and eight assists. He’s been a workhorse carrying the offensive load for the Cleveland Cavaliers and is punishing the Pacers in the paint.

So how can Indiana attempt to limit the damage? Break out the double team.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Pacers have brought an extra defender only 16 times in the five games they’ve faced off. To put that number in perspective, LeBron has had 449 total offensive possessions.

But when they do it, there’s quite a bit of success. Using that sample size, Indiana has held Cleveland to 0.69 points per possession and 4-for-14 from the field with a turnover. They’ve also missed nine out of 10 triple tries.

Consider this: Victor Oladipo minced the Cavaliers defense in game one and then an adjustment was made to pick him up at half court and trap. The strategy doesn’t need to mirror that, but perhaps the Pacers should give it a try. After all, their backs are against the wall.

Game 6 tips off at 8 p.m. from Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

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